In the Easy Chair with ... Wanda Gardiner

November 08, 2015 at 8:00 AM

RIGHT NOW I’M IN THE MIDDLE OF: Getting acquainted with the residents and their families at The Elms assisted living mansion (which was first owned by the Cottrell family), and at our memory care buildings Chestnut Cottage and The Carriage House.

BORN, RAISED AND GREW UP IN: Born in Westerly. My Dad was in the Navy so we traveled until I was 10 and then settled in the Ashaway area.

FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND TIME: Discussing politics and social issues with my family. It gets quite lively — even when we agree.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Turning out four smart and funny kids.

I’D LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR: Making a difference in some people’s lives, helping them through difficult life transitions.

TOP OF MY BUCKET LIST: Riding to the Kentucky Derby via motorcycle with my husband, riding part of the way, and trailering them behind for part.

ALWAYS IN MY POCKET: Keys.

WHAT I WANTED TO BE WHEN I GREW UP: A spy or a novelist.

EXPERIENCE THAT HAS INFLUENCED ME THE MOST: Having my children. I’ve learned so much from raising them.

FAVORITE AUTHOR: Too many to pick one; I read every day.

I AM READING: “The Island,” by Elin Hilderbrand.

I AM LISTENING TO: Texas soul singer Leon Bridges.

LAST MOVIE WATCHED: “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” The daughter of one our residents insists that The Elms founder and owner Guy Maiorano looks like someone in another hotel movie — Richard Gere in “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”